What Did I want from WLS?

[B-52 7,113]

I wanted good health, and feeling fit.......

I had one heart attack, Coranary Artery Disease, resulting in cardiac surgery, I was a diabetic taking 60units of lantus every night and oral meds throughout the day, plus I was taking meds for cholesterol, triglycerides, high BP, and things I cannot even remember.

I smoked 1-1/2 packs cigarettes per day since 1970......I could not walk up 5 stairs without getting out of breath....and would break out in sweats for no reason....along with my family's history, loosing both my brother and sister at an early age who had the same lifestyle, I too was at death's door...PCP words, not mine.

I was told time after time by my PCP, Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, etc...I need to loose weight and exercise or else..I told them I have been on every diet under the sun and nothing ever worked...I have no will power, and can do the "work" it takes to diet successfully....maybe for a few months, but then it all comes back like a land slide....

Finally, I had WLS, to do what I could never do on my own...wish someone told me I was a candidate years before......

Lap band surgery, for me, IS the Magic Remedy....it does take care of my eating, making it impossible to over eat, and in the end it does not matter because it also handles my appetite/hunger.....so I do not have any cravings, head hunger....I can take it or leave it....

I lost all my excess weight, no longer take the long list of meds used to...I still get blood work done every quarter and it is rock on solid, right down the middle.....I get a stress test every year and my cardiologist cannot be more impressed....he always encourages me to never hold back..give it all you got and go for it...I know other cardiac patients whose Dr.'s encourage them to take it easy and don't stress yourself.....

I go to the gym every chance I get, started out slow and easy, and after a few years worked up to running 3-5 miles, plus weight lifting.

I play 3rd base on a softball team with guys 10-15 years younger than me...I'm the oldest on the team, if not the league...

I am 62, soon to be 63, and I cannot remember when I have had this much energy.....I feel I can do anything, and I am not afraid to try....

All this, simply because I had same day Laproscopic Surgery

I could care less what others may say, or think, or what their philosophies about the proper way to "Work" this band, let them share their success stories and we can all rejoice together....or not..it does not matter...

Don't get me wrong, the first 6 months was pure hell!!! frustrating, feelings of failure..everything I read from beginners everyday....what made matters worse was well meaning people telling me it was Ok..don't expect too much......sorry, it is not OK...I have no other choice..... what else was I going to do but stick it out and stay with the program....and learn all the needed lifestyle lessons that go along with WLS...many of which I learned the hard way.....and I do mean the HARD WAY.....

Until that day, having found the right amount of restriction, the Green Zone, and finding my "Groove"...it has all been a free ride ever since, and it just keeps on getting better and better....

I got everything I wanted from WLS, and much more I didn't even imagine....coming up on 4 years, and other than the first and 2nd phases, I have not had a single complaint....

[Averiex 26]

This is an awesome post. It is so honest and touches on how it is not always easy, despite others thinking its the 'easy way out". I also am an overeater, compulsive even. I was so overweight I was eating just to stay awake at some points. In a way, this is magic as you said!!

So proud of you!!

-Av

[enjoythetime 1,457]

Wow B-52, talk about a transformation!!!! Very inspirational and encouraging! Great job!

[SecretBander 79]

B-52, I appreciate your story and all the wisdom you pass onto us newbies. I forget how often you do just liquids , is it monthly for a few days ?

I did all liquids yesterday and most of today and felt great. I actually even felt full after a thicker Protein shake. I thought this was a slider food ? But am happy my body gets full from it. I have been banded 4 months, 3cc put in at surgery and no fills since.

[B-52 7,113]

B-52, I appreciate your story and all the wisdom you pass onto us newbies. I forget how often you do just liquids , is it monthly for a few days ?

I did all liquids yesterday and most of today and felt great. I actually even felt full after a thicker Protein shake. I thought this was a slider food ? But am happy my body gets full from it. I have been banded 4 months, 3cc put in at surgery and no fills since.

No, just 1-3 days, every 4-6 weeks...I can usually tell when it's time, and it does keep things "Fit" so to speak...

BTW, I do not thing of anything as a slider food...don't ask me why, I just don't...have never found any difference for me....